Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

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Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED.

All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and there is minimal damage to the habitats. However, Swannanoa River Road and the main bridge to the Nature Center were washed away, and it will take time to reopen. We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild. 

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

The WNC Nature Center is temporarily closed.
We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild.
Donate Today
Help Our Pollinator Garden Take Flight
A permanent native pollinator garden is in the works!
Donate Today
Welcome to the WNC Nature Center​
Connecting people of all ages with the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Plan Your Visit
Gateway to the Southern Appalachians
We're embarking on the next phase of our strategic plan, with construction expected to be completed in spring 2025.
Learn More
See Our Wild Side
42 acres of award-winning habitats get you closer than you ever thought possible to the incredible wildlife of the Southern Appalachians
Meet Our Animals
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Tickets

Experiences

Membership

Directions

Tickets & Hours

We are open 361 days a year (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day).
 Admissions from 10am-3:30pm with the park closing at 4:30 pm.
Reservations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased online in advance.

Adults

$13.95

plus tax

(City of Asheville - $9.95*)

Seniors (65+)

$12.95

plus tax

(City of Asheville - $8.95*)

Youth (13-15)

$13.95

plus tax

(City of Asheville - $9.95*)

Child (3-12)

$9.95

plus tax

(City of Asheville - $7.95*)

2 & Younger

FREE

All active duty and retired military receive free admission with ID.

*Asheville City residents receive discounted admission. The Nature Center is part of the City of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department, and Asheville residents’ tax dollars support the Nature Center’s operation. 

Explore the WNC Nature Center!

Meet Our Animals

Black bears, red wolves, otters, and red pandas await you! Learn more about the special animals you’ll see who call the WNC Nature Center home.
See all of our animals.

American Black Bear

American Black Bear

Generally shy and reclusive animals, black bears avoid human contact and are not normally aggressive. Two black bears, Uno and Ursa, live at the Nature Center.

Red Wolf Karma

American Red Wolf

Red wolves are highly endangered species that has been eliminated from almost all of its natural range. Our breeding pair of red wolves, Oak and Gloria, are part of the AZA Species Survival Plan.

American Pygmy Goat

American Pygmy Goat

Similar to the Nigerian dwarf goat, the American pygmy is a small goat that only reaches 1-2 feet in height. They vary widely in coloration including white, tan, caramel, gray, and black.

Become a Member

Become a Friend of the WNC Nature Center today and enjoy savings and benefits as a member. 

Corporate Friends & Partners

Our Corporate Friends and Partners help Keep Asheville Wild by supporting the WNC Nature Center’s animal habitats, education and recreation programming, and conservation efforts. Please support these local sponsors and partners!

Friends

Partners

Become a
Corporate Friend

Become a Corporate Friend of the WNC Nature Center today and help keep Asheville wild! 

Partners & Associations

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center logo
The City of Asheville logo
Association of Zoos and Aquariums logo
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